How to Write 摹 (mó) — Meaning “to copy”

Think of a model (莫 sounds like 'model') placed in front of you, and you use your hand (手) to copy it. So the image is 'model plus hand equals copy.' This connects the character's parts to the idea of imitation.

Write the top part 莫 first, which has 10 strokes: start with the grass radical on top, then the sun shape, and finally the large strokes. The bottom 手 (4 strokes) should be smaller and centered under the top. A common mistake is making the bottom hand too large or off-center.

摹 means 'to copy' and has 莫 on top, while 掌 (zhǎng) means 'palm of hand' or 'to control' and has 尚 on top. 掣 (chè) means 'to pull' and has 制 on top. All three have 手 at the bottom, but the top parts give them very different meanings.

摹 is most often seen in art contexts, like 临摹 (lín mó) meaning copying a painting or calligraphy as a learning method. It also appears in 摹仿 (mó fǎng, to imitate) for behavior, and 描摹 (miáo mó, to depict) for detailed description. In traditional Chinese culture, copying masterworks is a respected way to develop skill.

Common words containing 摹 include: 临摹 (lín mó) — to copy (a painting or calligraphy); 摹仿 (mó fǎng) — to imitate; 描摹 (miáo mó) — To depict or portray.